Lack of Xmas spirit in Town of Claremont leads councillor to cut down and donate pine tree from own farm

Claremont Cr Alastair Tulloch and his wife Margie with the donated tree.

CLAREMONT councillor Alistair Tulloch says the influence of “political correctness” reducing the use of traditional symbols celebrating Christmas made him cut down a 10m pine on his farm and donate it to his Town.

“We previously had light on trees near the council on Stirling Highway, but one fell over and the other is unsafe,” Cr Tulloch told the Western Suburbs Weekly.

However, last month fellow councillor Chris Mews tried to get the council to have more traditional decorations in town.

Cr Mews cited examples such as Christmas greetings becoming the generic ‘happy holidays’ abroad, particularly in the United States.

While the council decided to investigate more decorations for next year, Cr Mew’s push sent Cr Tulloch off to his farm to fell and donate a tree.

“I wouldn’t have though about it until Chris brought up the issue, and then I thought, ‘He’s quite right, what can I do?’”, Cr Tulloch said.

The tree was transported by donated truck from his farm in Dwellingup to Claremont, but had to be shortened by 2m for its installation.

The pine and its lights were put up last Sunday in the St Quentin Avenue town square using donated time, staff and resources from Claremont Quarter manager Hawaiian, Diamond Hire and Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec Engineers.

“The tree will be shining bright in The Square on St Quentin’s Avenue until after Christmas,” Hawaiian general manager of shopping centres Alison Reid said, who thanked the Tullochs for the donation.